How Anime Is Teaching Me About Human Biology
Lousywith goes back to school. We’re dissecting the ‘ins-and-outs’ of the human body through the wonderful world of Anime.
Judging by the title of this article, I’m sure your first thoughts are probably “damn — this dude went to a horrible school.” It’s true, I was a shitty student in high school. All I cared about was playing video games and watching Toonami. If you’re a 90s kid, then you know what I’m talking about! Dragon Ball Z, Inuyasha, Yu Yu Hakusho, Trigun, Cowboy Bebop, Case Closed, and one of my all-time favorites Zoids. Go Liger Zero!!!!
Anime was my life — my private life, that is. Back then I wouldn’t be caught dead letting people know I watched; even though in truth I couldn’t wait for all the latest episodes to air. Each night, I would somehow manage to not do my homework; it became a real skill over time. I don’t know how I did it, but somehow I managed to pass... Anywho, what I’m trying to say is that instead of learning the various components of the human circulatory system — I’d just end up catching up on all my shows. I’d play games and watch anime until about 11 p.m. every night.
Imagine how much smarter I’d be if I could somehow replace all that ‘wasted’ time watching anime with studying? Sure, it’d be boring as hell by comparison, but just imagine! Better yet, what if all that time I’d committed to watching anime, I could have been simultaneously learning about the intricacies of the human body? How the different types of cells are utilized; the various systems and subsystems within the body? Sounds a lot less boring right? Well as it turns out, that’s exactly what Cells at Work! is all about!
“Did you know the human body consists of approximately 37 trillion cells. These cells are hard at work every day within a world that is your body. From the oxygen carrying Red Blood Cells to the bacteria fighting White Blood Cells, Get to know the unsung heroes and the drama that unfolds inside of you.”
Through that simple summary, I learned that the human body has 37 trillion cells. Are you kidding me!? You’re telling me I learned more in the opening 30 seconds of a television program than I did through all four years of high school combined?! Jeez... With all this knowledge the show throws your way, Cells at Work! also manages to pack in some amazing anime action. It’s ‘bloody’ and to the point. The characters are absolutely adorable and writing is hilarious. Most importantly, Doctor Mike from Youtube approves! How many shows out there teach you things that 2/3 doctors approve of!? Well, probably none; they don’t market shows like that…But I bet that 3/3 doctors would approve Cells at Work!
What’s even more interesting is that the show takes place inside a body with an autoimmune deficiency. This means that every episode is ‘life or death’ for the world of these cells! It really breaks down the whole process of how trillions of cells go about combating everything from allergies to cancer. No word of a lie — this show had me tearing up.
In all honesty, I’m glad there’s a show like this out there. Especially nowadays, with everything going on due to COVID-19. It helps provide a break down of how the body would react and struggle with something like the Corona Virus; it’s oddly soothing. I want to be clear: I’m not saying you should use this show to learn about human biology! I’m just saying it helps present the concepts in simpler terms. You know, for all of us ‘non-doctors’. Plus — it’s fun as hell.
…P.S. If my old biology teacher Mrs. Mutch happens to be reading this — I’m sorry I sucked as a student. But for real; you should watch this show…
What’s your favorite Anime classic? Drop us a comment and let us know!
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